Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

$- 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F) - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup packed brown sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the dough, you need flour, yeast, warm milk, sugar, butter, egg, and salt. - Flour gives structure to the rolls. - Yeast helps the dough rise. - Warm milk activates the yeast. - Sugar adds sweetness and helps browning. - Butter makes the rolls rich and soft. - Egg adds moisture and flavor. - Salt enhances the taste. The filling needs brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. The frosting uses powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. - Brown sugar creates a rich, caramel flavor. - Cinnamon adds warmth and spice. - Softened butter helps the filling stick. - Powdered sugar makes a sweet, creamy frosting. - Milk thins the frosting for drizzling. - Vanilla extract enhances the frosting's flavor. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through each step of making these delightful rolls. To start, you need to activate the yeast. In a small bowl, mix warm milk with sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the milk. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You will see bubbles forming. This means your yeast is alive and ready to rise. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir until smooth. Then, add the frothy yeast mix to this flour mix. Gradually add the rest of the flour, half a cup at a time. Mix it until the dough feels soft and a little sticky. Put the dough on a floured surface. Knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. The dough should be smooth and elastic. Next, place it in a greased bowl. Cover it with a towel and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size. After it rises, punch it down gently. Roll it out to make a rectangle. Spread softened butter on top. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture evenly across the dough. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape and cut it into 12 pieces. Arrange the rolls in a greased baking dish. Leave some space between each roll. Cover them again with a towel. Let them rise for another 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 20 to 25 minutes. They should be golden brown and smell amazing. As the rolls bake, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Once the rolls are baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy the soft and yummy delight of your homemade cinnamon rolls! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make soft and fluffy cinnamon rolls, use warm milk. Warm milk helps the yeast grow. Use a kitchen thermometer to check the milk temp. It should be about 110°F. Knead the dough well. This builds gluten, making the rolls airy. Let the dough rise in a warm place. The warmth helps it double in size. After baking, cover the rolls with a towel. This keeps them soft as they cool. One mistake is using cold ingredients. Cold butter or milk can slow down yeast action. Another mistake is not kneading enough. Kneading helps the dough become smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour. Avoid opening the oven door too often while baking. This lets heat escape and can lead to uneven baking. Lastly, don’t skip the second rise. This step is key for fluffy rolls. Always use dry measuring cups for flour and sugar. Spoon the flour into the cup, then level it off with a knife. Don’t pack the flour down, as this adds too much. For liquids, use a clear measuring cup with markings. Always check at eye level for accuracy. When measuring sticky ingredients like butter, use a light spray of cooking oil on the cup. This helps them slide right out. For the best results, follow the Full Recipe closely. {{image_4}} You can add nuts or raisins to your cinnamon rolls for extra flavor. I love walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. To do this, chop the nuts and spread them on the dough before rolling. If you prefer raisins, sprinkle them on top of the cinnamon sugar. This gives your rolls a sweet, chewy surprise. Both options boost the taste and texture. For a twist, try adding chocolate or cream cheese. You can spread softened cream cheese on the dough before adding cinnamon. This makes the rolls rich and creamy. If you like chocolate, use chocolate chips. Sprinkle them over the cinnamon mixture. The melted chocolate creates a gooey delight. Both options make your cinnamon rolls even more special. Frosting can change everything. Instead of the classic vanilla frosting, try maple or citrus. For maple, mix powdered sugar with maple syrup instead of milk. This gives a warm, sweet flavor. For a citrus twist, add lemon or orange zest to the frosting. The bright flavor pairs well with the warm rolls. These simple changes can impress your family and friends. Explore the [Full Recipe](#) for more tips on making the best cinnamon rolls! To keep your cinnamon rolls fresh, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. You want to store them at room temperature. They will stay good for about 2 to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. To enjoy that fresh-baked taste, reheat your cinnamon rolls. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rolls on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also heat them in the microwave. Just warm them for 20-30 seconds. Add a drizzle of frosting afterward for extra flavor. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Once they cool, wrap each roll in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag, removing as much air as you can. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them to restore their soft texture. This way, you can enjoy your homemade cinnamon rolls anytime! Yes, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the step of proofing it. Mix instant yeast directly into your flour. This saves time and still gives you soft rolls. Homemade cinnamon rolls last about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want them fresh longer, store them in the fridge. They can last up to a week that way. Cinnamon rolls pair well with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with fruit, like berries or sliced bananas. A side of creamy yogurt adds a nice touch too. You can easily make cinnamon rolls by hand. Start by mixing the ingredients in a bowl. Use a wooden spoon to combine them. Once mixed, knead the dough on a floured surface. Yes, you can prepare cinnamon rolls ahead of time. Make the dough and fill the rolls. Then, cover them and place them in the fridge overnight. In the morning, let them rise before baking. This saves time and gives you fresh rolls! For more detailed instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To make fluffy twisted cinnamon rolls, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast - 1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F) - ⅓ cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup packed brown sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling) - 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting) - 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Now, let’s go through the steps to create these delightful rolls. 1. First, warm up your milk. Mix it with the sugar in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. You want it to look foamy. This means the yeast is ready. 2. Next, in a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour with melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir until it is smooth. 3. Pour the foamy yeast mixture into this bowl. Slowly add the rest of the flour. Mix it in ½ cup at a time. You want a soft and slightly sticky dough. 4. Take the dough out and knead it on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes. The dough should feel smooth. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a towel. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour. It should double in size. 5. While your dough rises, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with the ground cinnamon. Set this aside. 6. After the dough has risen, punch it down gently. Roll it out to a rectangle about 16x12 inches. Spread the softened butter on the dough. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mix on top. 7. Start rolling the dough tightly from one long side. Pinch the seams to seal it. Cut the log into 12 equal pieces. 8. Place the rolls in a greased baking dish or on a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between them. Cover with a towel again and let them rise for another 30 minutes. 9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes. They should be golden brown and smell amazing. 10. While they bake, make the frosting. In a bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla until smooth. 11. When the rolls are done, let them cool for a few minutes. Drizzle the frosting over the warm rolls. Enjoy your fluffy twisted cinnamon rolls! For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above. You now know how to make delicious homemade cinnamon rolls. We covered the key ingredients for the dough, filling, and frosting. You learned step-by-step instructions, from activating yeast to baking the rolls. I shared tips for soft, fluffy rolls and common mistakes to avoid. You can try fun variations like adding nuts or chocolate. Proper storage helps keep your rolls fresh, no matter how long you wait to enjoy them. Now, you can impress friends and family with your baking skills and warm, sweet treats. Enjoy every bite!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these fluffy twisted cinnamon rolls! This recipe combines warm milk, rich butter, and aromatic cinnamon for a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying them fresh out of the oven or serving them at brunch, these gooey rolls are guaranteed to impress. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and bring this delicious recipe to life in your kitchen!

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Ingredients

4 cups all-purpose flour

1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast

1 cup warm milk (approximately 110°F)

⅓ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

½ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)

1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)

2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the milk mixture. Allow it to sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy – this means the yeast is activated and ready to go!

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the melted butter, egg, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Gradually incorporate the remaining flour, adding ½ cup at a time, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.

Transfer the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead it for approximately 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Once kneaded, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set the mixture aside for later use.

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 16x12 inches. Spread the softened butter evenly across the dough's surface, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.

Starting from one long edge of the rectangle, tightly roll the dough into a log shape. Pinch the seams to ensure they are sealed. Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 12 equal pieces.

Arrange the sliced rolls in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Cover them again with the towel, and let them rise for an additional 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fragrant.

While the rolls are baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Once the rolls are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes before generously drizzling the frosting on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cinnamon rolls warm on a large, elegant platter, drenching them with a generous amount of frosting. For a delightful touch, sprinkle a pinch of extra ground cinnamon over the top to enhance the visual appeal and aroma.